how to store exposed film?

[ssmc]

Ok, so I know you're supposed to refrigerate or freeze unexposed film (mine is in the fridge now), but say it takes me 3-4 weeks to expose enough rolls to make it worth mailing them internationally for processing/scanning - what is the best/recommended way to store it after it comes out of the camera? Is it safe to put it back in the fridge in an airtight (o-ring sealed) container?

I am not talking about anything exotic or high-speed here - HP5, TX, TMX, Ektar 100, Pro 400H, Portra 400.

Thanks for any advice!

Scott

 

[ErnestoJL]

As I´m able to do some darkroom work only on weekends, I usually leave exposed film in the fridge, unless it is friday (when I do my homework). It is safe up to a very long period of time.
An airtight container is all what you may need to keep film safe. Before prcessing (if you do it at home) you must allow film to reach room temperature before pouring developer in the tank.
Cheers
Ernesto

 

[ssmc]

Thanks for the replies!

It just kind of worried me that in the data sheets the mfrs make a big deal about processing exposed film "as soon as possible", and I had a bad expeience once with some film that had been left in a camera for a long time (far longer than I would normally) - the color shifts were horrendous and virtually uncorrectable. I usually try to get it done asap, but being winter here at the moment (with pretty awful weather) photo opportunities are not that frequent. I do also use ziplock bags. Maybe I should get some silica gel for drying as well?

Regards
Scott

 

[Chris101]

I have one of those 'o' ring container's - it's got an integral pump and can draw a medium vacuum on it to keep the ring tightly sealed. I doubt that would be a problem, but I have developed film routinely many weeks after exposure with no noticeable detrimental effect. But I know that, even refrigerated, a few decades of storage will deteriorate a latent image beyond recognition.

I try to develop my film as soon as I can, but if it lags, then don't worry unless those weeks stretch into years.

 

[Colin Corneau]

A few weeks is nothing and will have no effect (unless you store your film in the oven or in an X-ray machine).

 

[Chuck Albertson]

If you're shooting in a really humid environment, it's a good idea to de-humidify your film and then put it into a sealed container before shoving it into the fridge--keeps condensation from forming on the film when it cools. Any room with decent A/C will do the trick. Even better is opening your bag of exposed film on a long flight home--airline cabins have near-zero humidity, and a few hours in the air will suck away any moisture.